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I. Pavlik - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Avian Tuberculosis in a captured Ruppell's griffon vulture (Gyps ruppellii): a case report.
Veterinarni Medicina, 2018Co-Authors: M. Skoric, Petr Fictum, Iva Slana, Marija Kaevska, L. Frgelecova, P. Kriz, I. PavlikAbstract:Avian Tuberculosis was diagnosed in a captured female Ruppell's griffon vulture (ruppellii) with granulomatous splenitis and hepatitis. At necropsy, whitish to yellow nodules of various sizes were found in the spleen and liver, and fibrinous coelomitis was present in the body cavity. Histopathologically, the granulomas appeared to be typical of Avian Tuberculosis. In some granulomas, necrotic centres surrounded by a variable layer of palisading epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells with variable admixture of lymphocytes and plasma cells were present. Signs of mineralization in granulomas were not observed. Using Ziehl-Neelsen staining the presence of acid-fast bacilli was demonstrated in organs affected by granulomatous inflammation. A diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium infection was confirmed by culture and quantitative Real-Time PCR examination for the presence of specific insertion sequences for Avian Tuberculosis (IS 901 and IS1245) in
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Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium in domestic pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) diagnosed by direct conventional multiplex PCR: a case report
Veterinarni Medicina, 2018Co-Authors: P. Kriz, Iva Slana, M Moravkova, V. Mrlik, A. Kralova, K. Krizova, I. PavlikAbstract:We report three pigeons euthanized in a small household breeding facility, where there was sus - picion of an Avian Tuberculosis outbreak. For rapid identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium direct conventional multiplex PCR was used. Nodular lesions were found on the livers of all three birds, the intestine of one bird and the kidney and ovaries of another. The liver samples and a further 18 tissue samples were examined. Acid-fast rods were detected in all the tissue samples after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Isolation and diagnosis of M. a. avium (serotype 1 containing IS901) from 17 tissue samples was confirmed using conventional multiplex PCR.
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Avian Tuberculosis in a Captured Ruppell's Griffon Vulture (Gyps ruppellii)
Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2010Co-Authors: M. Skoric, Petr Fictum, P. Křiž, Iva Slana, Marija Kaevska, I. PavlikAbstract:Avian Tuberculosis IN A CAPTURED RUPPELL’S GRIFFON VULTURE (GYPS RUPPELLII) M. Skoric*, P. Fictum*, P. Kriz y, I. Slana y, M. Kaevska y and I. Pavliky *University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences and yVeterinary Research Institute, Czech Republic Introduction: Avian Tuberculosis was diagnosed in a captured female Ruppell’s griffon vulture (Gyps ruppellii) with granulomatous splenitis and hepatitis. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned (4 mm) and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) for the detection of acid-fast bacilli in tissues. The liver and spleen were taken for culture and quantitative real-time PCR examinations. Results: At necropsy examination, white to yellow nodules of various sizes were found in the spleen and liver. Microscopically, the granulomas appeared to be typical of Avian Tuberculosis. In some granulomas, necrotic centres surrounded by a variable layer of palisading epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells with variable admixture of lymphocytes and plasma cells were present. Signs of mineralization in granulomas were not observed. Using ZN staining, acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated in affected organs. Conclusions: Diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subspp. avium infection was confirmed by culture and quantitative real-time PCR examination for the presence of specific insertion sequences for Avian Tuberculosis (IS901 and IS1245) in the liver and spleen. P14
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Mycobacteria in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Czech Republic
2006Co-Authors: I. Trcka, V Beran, Jiri Lamka, Marketa Kopecna, I. Parmova, I. PavlikAbstract:Bovine Tuberculosis in wild boars (Sus scrofa) was detected in Central Europe during 1983-2001 in Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was investigation of mycobacterial infections in our country during 2002-2004 in a total of 2319 samples originating from 766 wild boars of different age categories from 29 (39.2%) of 74 districts of the Czech Republic. Individually collected anonymous faecal samples from 309 animals and 1 947 samples of various tissues from 457 animals were examined. Wild boars originated from both free nature (239 animals), and game parks (527 animals). Fifty boars and sows and 388 piglets and yearlings at the age of 1 to 2 years were included among 438 (57.1%) animals with known age and sex. Small tuberculous lesions in the intestinal lymph nodes were detected in 2 (0.3%) wild boars only. Causative agents of Tuberculosis or paraTuberculosis were not isolated from any of the animals. Mycobacteria were isolated from 64 (8.3%) wild boars. Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium, the causative agent of Avian Tuberculosis was isolated from intestinal lymph nodes of 7 (0.9%) wild boars (tuberculous lesions were detected in two animals). Thirty four infected wild boars originated from free nature and from a game park with occurrence of Avian Tuberculosis in domestic fowl, respectively. Atypical mycobacteria of 8 species (M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. scrofulaceum, M. triviale, M. terrae, M. phlei, M. smegmatis, and M. flavescens ) were isolated from 57 (7.4%) animals. Atypical mycobacteria were isolated from pulmonary lymph nodes, small and large intestines, intestinal mucosa and faeces of wild boars both from free nature and game parks. Due to the high density of wild boars and their large migration radius, they can be viewed as a potential source of a number of infections including the causative agent of Avian Tuberculosis.
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Nymphs of the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) as passive vectors of causal agents of Avian Tuberculosis and paraTuberculosis
Medical and veterinary entomology, 2003Co-Authors: O A Fischer, L Matlova, L Dvorska, P. Svastova, I. PavlikAbstract:. The potential transmission of the causal agent of paraTuberculosis Mycobacterium avium ssp. paraTuberculosis and Avian Tuberculosis Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium (Actinomycetales: Mycobacteriaceae) by nymphs of the Oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis L. (Blattodea: Blattidae) was investigated by oral infection with mycobacterial suspensions and examination of their droppings and bodies. Both the subspecies of M. avium were isolated from droppings at 3 days post-infection and M. a. avium was found in homogenized bodies at 10 days post-infection. The identity of M. a. avium and M. a. paraTuberculosis isolates was demonstrated by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The M. a. avium isolate used as the inoculum and the isolates from the bodies and droppings of the nymphs were shown to be virulent in chickens. The results show that orally infected nymphs of B. orientalis can harbour and shed viable and virulent mycobacteria. This hazard should be considered in the implementation of control measures against mycobacterial infections of animals and humans, which should include destruction of all developmental stages of cockroaches and prevention of their access to materials that can be contaminated by mycobacteria.
Ruth L. Cromie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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PCR analysis of the presence and location of Mycobacterium avium in a constructed reed bed, with implications for Avian Tuberculosis control.
FEMS microbiology ecology, 2008Co-Authors: Julian A. Drewe, David Mwangi, Helen D. Donoghue, Ruth L. CromieAbstract:The potential of reed beds to act as biofilters of pathogenic and environmental mycobacteria was investigated through examination of the fate of mycobacteria in a constructed reed bed filtering effluent from a large captive wildfowl collection. Particular emphasis was placed on the presence and location of Mycobacterium avium - the causal agent of Avian Tuberculosis (ATB) - in an effort to clarify the potential role of reed beds in the control of this disease. Water, sediment, and stems and roots of common reed (Phragmites australis) and greater reedmace (Typha latifolia) were taken from 15 locations within the reed bed plus sites upstream and downstream. Samples were analysed for mycobacteria using PCR and specifically for M. avium using nested PCR. Environmental mycobacteria were found throughout the entire reed bed but M. avium was not found downstream of the first vegetation growth. The reed bed was found to effectively remove M. avium from the water through a combination of sedimentation and adsorption onto vegetation stems. The results of this study show that constructed reed beds composed of a settlement lagoon and one or more vegetation beds can act as valuable and ecologically friendly tools in the environmental control of ATB.
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Use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to diagnose Avian Tuberculosis in a captive collection of wildfowl.
Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A, 2004Co-Authors: Harriet Petra Zsivanovits, Martin J. Brown, U. Neumann, Ruth L. CromieAbstract:The current study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and evaluated it as a diagnostic screening aid for Avian Tuberculosis (TB) in a wildfowl collection at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre at Llanelli, Wales, U.K.. Four hundred and eighteen birds of the collection, including geese, ducks, and swans, were screened for mycobacterial antibody levels. Of those birds tested, 40 died during the period of this study and gross post mortem examinations were performed. The ELISA showed a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 55.6% using post-mortem findings as the 'gold standard'. Thirteen of the examined birds showed evidence of Avian TB at necropsy. In addition, liver and spleen biopsies of 19 birds were examined histopathologically. There was minimal agreement between gross post mortem and histopathological findings. PCR performed on 13 of the specimens prepared for histopathology did not identify the presence of mycobacterial DNA. The findings reveal a need for further research to improve the sensitivity and specificity of this ELISA and the accurate diagnosis of Avian TB.
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Avian immune responses to Mycobacterium avium: the wildfowl example.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 2000Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, N J Ash, John L. StanfordAbstract:Abstract Immunological responses of wildfowl (Order Anseriformes: ducks, geese, swans and screamers) to mycobacteria have been investigated as part of studies to develop a vaccine and diagnostic assay for Avian Tuberculosis. 10 9 killed Mycobacterium vaccae protected the Cairinini (perching ducks) from Avian Tuberculosis ( p Cairina scutulata ). Together, loss of cell-mediated responses to common mycobacterial antigens, increased responsiveness to the species specific antigens of M. avium , and increased antibody production are reminiscent of the T H1 to T H2 shift seen in mammalian mycobacterial infections. It is speculated that excessive exposure to environmental mycobacteria prior to vaccination is detrimental and common antigens play an important role in wildfowl immunity to mycobacteria. A new vaccination trial using killed M. vaccae is being undertaken. Antibody responses are a useful ante mortem diagnostic indicator in most taxonomic tribes with the exception of the primitive Dendrocygnini (whistling ducks).
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A comparison and evaluation of techniques for diagnosis of Avian Tuberculosis in wildfowl
Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A, 1993Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, N. A. Forbes, Jenny Morgan, John L. StanfordAbstract:Summary To control the epizootic of Avian Tuberculosis within the collections of captive wildfowl of The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust an efficacious vaccine and a reliable diagnostic test are required. A number of potential diagnostic tests were compared for sensitivity and specificity using a flock of 178 feral barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) at The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's centre at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Evaluations were made of: serodiagnosis by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); agglutination of a suspension of killed Mycobacterium avium using both whole blood and serum; and haematological analysis. Necropsy findings confirmed the ELISA to be sensitive and specific, and capable of detecting the disease even at an early stage. The agglutination tests were quick and easy to perform although a number of false positives and negatives did occur. The haematological analysis was found to be less sensitive. ELISA and agglutination tests are now being used to screen the birds in the coll...
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The epidemiology of Avian Tuberculosis in White-winged Wood Ducks Cairina scutulata at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge Centre (1976-91)
1992Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, John L. StanfordAbstract:The disease Avian Tuberculosis is affecting drastically the management of White-winged Wood Ducks Cairina scutulata in captivity. An epidemiological survey of the disease in adult White-winged Wood Ducks at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge Centre, (1976-91) has been carried out. The disease was recorded in 102 out of 121 (84%) post mortem (PM) examinations during the study period. The greatest proportion of deaths from the disease occurred in summer and winter rather than spring and autumn. Although there was no difference in the total numbers of males and females dying of the disease, the greatest number of female deaths occurred during the summer, probably due to the stress of breeding. The study highlights the importance of screening for Avian Tuberculosis in relation to potential reintroduction programmes. Recommendations to control the disease are put forward.
John L. Stanford - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Avian immune responses to Mycobacterium avium: the wildfowl example.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 2000Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, N J Ash, John L. StanfordAbstract:Abstract Immunological responses of wildfowl (Order Anseriformes: ducks, geese, swans and screamers) to mycobacteria have been investigated as part of studies to develop a vaccine and diagnostic assay for Avian Tuberculosis. 10 9 killed Mycobacterium vaccae protected the Cairinini (perching ducks) from Avian Tuberculosis ( p Cairina scutulata ). Together, loss of cell-mediated responses to common mycobacterial antigens, increased responsiveness to the species specific antigens of M. avium , and increased antibody production are reminiscent of the T H1 to T H2 shift seen in mammalian mycobacterial infections. It is speculated that excessive exposure to environmental mycobacteria prior to vaccination is detrimental and common antigens play an important role in wildfowl immunity to mycobacteria. A new vaccination trial using killed M. vaccae is being undertaken. Antibody responses are a useful ante mortem diagnostic indicator in most taxonomic tribes with the exception of the primitive Dendrocygnini (whistling ducks).
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A comparison and evaluation of techniques for diagnosis of Avian Tuberculosis in wildfowl
Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A, 1993Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, N. A. Forbes, Jenny Morgan, John L. StanfordAbstract:Summary To control the epizootic of Avian Tuberculosis within the collections of captive wildfowl of The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust an efficacious vaccine and a reliable diagnostic test are required. A number of potential diagnostic tests were compared for sensitivity and specificity using a flock of 178 feral barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) at The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's centre at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Evaluations were made of: serodiagnosis by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); agglutination of a suspension of killed Mycobacterium avium using both whole blood and serum; and haematological analysis. Necropsy findings confirmed the ELISA to be sensitive and specific, and capable of detecting the disease even at an early stage. The agglutination tests were quick and easy to perform although a number of false positives and negatives did occur. The haematological analysis was found to be less sensitive. ELISA and agglutination tests are now being used to screen the birds in the coll...
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The epidemiology of Avian Tuberculosis in White-winged Wood Ducks Cairina scutulata at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge Centre (1976-91)
1992Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, John L. StanfordAbstract:The disease Avian Tuberculosis is affecting drastically the management of White-winged Wood Ducks Cairina scutulata in captivity. An epidemiological survey of the disease in adult White-winged Wood Ducks at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge Centre, (1976-91) has been carried out. The disease was recorded in 102 out of 121 (84%) post mortem (PM) examinations during the study period. The greatest proportion of deaths from the disease occurred in summer and winter rather than spring and autumn. Although there was no difference in the total numbers of males and females dying of the disease, the greatest number of female deaths occurred during the summer, probably due to the stress of breeding. The study highlights the importance of screening for Avian Tuberculosis in relation to potential reintroduction programmes. Recommendations to control the disease are put forward.
I Pavlik - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Diagnostic testing of different stages of Avian Tuberculosis in naturally infected hens (Gallus domesticus) by the tuberculin skin and rapid agglutination tests, faecal and egg examinations
Veterinární Medicína, 2008Co-Authors: J.e. Shitaye, L Matlova, M Moravkova, A. Horvathova, L. Dvorska-bartosova, I. Trcka, J. Lamka, F. Treml, V. Vrbas, I PavlikAbstract:Avian Tuberculosis (ATBC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in birds in zoos and breeding establishments. The primary sources of <I>Mycobacterium avium</I> subsp. <I>avium (MAA)</I> of serotypes 1, 2 and 3 are infected animals (esp. birds), who shed <I>MAA</I> in different ways and thus contaminate the environment. The first aim of this work was to compare the efficiency of the diagnostic methods that are routinely used for the diagnosis of ATBC (skin test, serology and culture of faeces and eggs) in naturally infected hens with different levels of infection. The second aim was to determine the excretion rate of <I>MAA</I> in faeces and eggs. The tuberculin skin test gave a positive result in nine (42.9%) infected hens of which four (57.1%) and one (14.3%) were heavily and slightly infected hens, respectively. A positive serological response to <I>MAA</I>-b antigen (water bird isolate of serotype 1) was observed in five (23.8%) and to <I>MAA</I>-p antigen (pig isolate serotype 2) in seven (33.3%) hens. No correlation between serological and skin-test data was found. The results show that both techniques, serological and skin-test data are inadequate for the diagnosis of ATBC. In consecutively euthanized hens, with heavy infection and tuberculous lesions, serological positivity was significant (<I>P</I> < 0.05) in comparison with slightly infected hens lacking tuberculous lesions. Faecal culture detected <I>MAA</I> in 50 (29.8%) of 168 samples collected for eight days before euthanasia. <I>MAA</I> excretion in faeces was intermittent, but significantly (<I>P</I> < 0.01) higher in heavily infected hens. No mycobacteria were detected in any of the 43 examined eggs, which implies that the shedding of <I>MAA</I>and/or transmission of ATBC through eggs may not be frequent events.
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Avian Tuberculosis in naturally infected captive water birds of the Ardeideae and Threskiornithidae families studied by serotyping, IS901 RFLP typing, and virulence for poultry.
Veterinary microbiology, 2006Co-Authors: L Dvorska, L Matlova, W Y Ayele, O A Fischer, T Amemori, R T Weston, J Alvarez, V Beran, M Moravkova, I PavlikAbstract:Avian Tuberculosis was detected in one flock of 38 water birds of the families Ardeideae (n = 20) and Threskiornithidae (n = 18). Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA, serotype 1, genotype IS901+ and IS1245+) was more often (p = 0.01) detected in tissue and/or faecal samples in 18 (90.0%) birds form the Ardeideae family: little egret (Egretta garzetta), buff-backed heron (Bubulcus ibis), great white egret (Egretta alba), and bittern (Botaurus stellaris) in comparison to two (11.1%) birds from the Threskiornithidae family: sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus). Avian Tuberculosis was not diagnosed in spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia). Tuberculous lesions were found in nine birds. MAA isolates of IS901 RFLP type F-C3 were present in all of the 20 infected birds and in all environmental isolates. A mixed infection with the MAA isolates of three RFLP types F-C3 (tissue isolate), G-C3, and T-C3 (faecal isolates) was found in one sacred ibis. All 20 tissue isolates of IS901 RFLP type F-C3 from 20 birds and 8 environmental MAA isolates were fully virulent in pullets, whilst the isolates of RFLP types G-C3 and T-C3 were non-virulent in pullets. All of the tested MAA isolates had the same IS1245 RFLP "bird profile". In 12 of 20 infected birds with MAA M.a. hominissuis isolates of serotypes 4, 8, 9 and genotype IS901- and IS1245+ were detected and in 8 other birds mycobacteria not belonging to the M. avium complex were found. The presence of MAA in the environment may be a source for further spread of the causal agent of Avian Tuberculosis among other groups of animals in zoological gardens, farm animals, and also among their keepers.
Martin J. Brown - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to diagnose Avian Tuberculosis in a captive collection of wildfowl.
Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A, 2004Co-Authors: Harriet Petra Zsivanovits, Martin J. Brown, U. Neumann, Ruth L. CromieAbstract:The current study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and evaluated it as a diagnostic screening aid for Avian Tuberculosis (TB) in a wildfowl collection at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre at Llanelli, Wales, U.K.. Four hundred and eighteen birds of the collection, including geese, ducks, and swans, were screened for mycobacterial antibody levels. Of those birds tested, 40 died during the period of this study and gross post mortem examinations were performed. The ELISA showed a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 55.6% using post-mortem findings as the 'gold standard'. Thirteen of the examined birds showed evidence of Avian TB at necropsy. In addition, liver and spleen biopsies of 19 birds were examined histopathologically. There was minimal agreement between gross post mortem and histopathological findings. PCR performed on 13 of the specimens prepared for histopathology did not identify the presence of mycobacterial DNA. The findings reveal a need for further research to improve the sensitivity and specificity of this ELISA and the accurate diagnosis of Avian TB.
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Avian immune responses to Mycobacterium avium: the wildfowl example.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 2000Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, N J Ash, John L. StanfordAbstract:Abstract Immunological responses of wildfowl (Order Anseriformes: ducks, geese, swans and screamers) to mycobacteria have been investigated as part of studies to develop a vaccine and diagnostic assay for Avian Tuberculosis. 10 9 killed Mycobacterium vaccae protected the Cairinini (perching ducks) from Avian Tuberculosis ( p Cairina scutulata ). Together, loss of cell-mediated responses to common mycobacterial antigens, increased responsiveness to the species specific antigens of M. avium , and increased antibody production are reminiscent of the T H1 to T H2 shift seen in mammalian mycobacterial infections. It is speculated that excessive exposure to environmental mycobacteria prior to vaccination is detrimental and common antigens play an important role in wildfowl immunity to mycobacteria. A new vaccination trial using killed M. vaccae is being undertaken. Antibody responses are a useful ante mortem diagnostic indicator in most taxonomic tribes with the exception of the primitive Dendrocygnini (whistling ducks).
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A comparison and evaluation of techniques for diagnosis of Avian Tuberculosis in wildfowl
Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A, 1993Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, N. A. Forbes, Jenny Morgan, John L. StanfordAbstract:Summary To control the epizootic of Avian Tuberculosis within the collections of captive wildfowl of The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust an efficacious vaccine and a reliable diagnostic test are required. A number of potential diagnostic tests were compared for sensitivity and specificity using a flock of 178 feral barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) at The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's centre at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Evaluations were made of: serodiagnosis by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); agglutination of a suspension of killed Mycobacterium avium using both whole blood and serum; and haematological analysis. Necropsy findings confirmed the ELISA to be sensitive and specific, and capable of detecting the disease even at an early stage. The agglutination tests were quick and easy to perform although a number of false positives and negatives did occur. The haematological analysis was found to be less sensitive. ELISA and agglutination tests are now being used to screen the birds in the coll...
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The epidemiology of Avian Tuberculosis in White-winged Wood Ducks Cairina scutulata at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge Centre (1976-91)
1992Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, John L. StanfordAbstract:The disease Avian Tuberculosis is affecting drastically the management of White-winged Wood Ducks Cairina scutulata in captivity. An epidemiological survey of the disease in adult White-winged Wood Ducks at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge Centre, (1976-91) has been carried out. The disease was recorded in 102 out of 121 (84%) post mortem (PM) examinations during the study period. The greatest proportion of deaths from the disease occurred in summer and winter rather than spring and autumn. Although there was no difference in the total numbers of males and females dying of the disease, the greatest number of female deaths occurred during the summer, probably due to the stress of breeding. The study highlights the importance of screening for Avian Tuberculosis in relation to potential reintroduction programmes. Recommendations to control the disease are put forward.
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Susceptibility of captive wildfowl to Avian Tuberculosis: the importance of genetic and environmental factors.
Tubercle, 1991Co-Authors: Ruth L. Cromie, Martin J. Brown, D.j. Price, J.l. StanfordAbstract:Abstract This study reports the findings of an epidemiological survey of death due to Avian Tuberculosis in the captive collection of wildfowl at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Both genetic and environmental factors have been shown to affect the incidence of, and the birds' susceptibility to, the disease. Seasonal body condition was related to the occurrence of death due to the disease in both males and females. Birds from either hot or cold climates appeared to have a higher incidence than those from temperate climates. What the birds ate did not affect incidence but the method they used for obtaining their food did. Higher susceptibility was found in those species evolved for marine or arboreal habitats. Anomalies in susceptibility which suggest a higher level of genetic immunity in some groups have also been found. Reasons are put forward to explain these findings.
